Keynote Speakers
Thursday Keynote: Supervision and Evaluation
Kent Gerlach, PhD
Dr. Kent Gerlach is a Professor in the School of Education at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. He has been recognized nationally for his contributions, research, and publications on the supervision, employment, and training of paraeducators. Kent has presented workshops at numerous conferences, organizational meetings, and school districts on collaboration and teamwork issues. He co-edited the text titled “Supervising Paraeducators in Educational Settings: A Team Approach,” published by Pro*ed Publishers and Council for Exceptional Children. Kent is also the author of “Let’s Team Up: A Checklist for Paraeducators, Teachers and Principals,” published by the National Education Association. In addition, he has authored several journal articles, book chapters, and training materials dealing with collaboration and team building, and the legal and ethical issues affecting the roles of paraeducators and their supervisors.
Teri Wallace, Ph.D.
Teri Wallace, Ph.D. is a researcher, educator, advocate and school board member. She is also the Co-Director of the National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals with Dr. Marilyn Likins. Teri is currently a Research Associate at the University of Minnesota serving as the Principal Investigator for two OSEP funded centers addressing progress monitoring and curriculum-based measurement. She has been directing the Minnesota Paraprofessional Project for more than 11 years.
Friday Panel: Career Choices
This panel will include paraprofessionals who love their job as well as paraprofessionals who have gone on to earn their teaching certification. College and university faculty responsible for designing career ladder programs for paraprofessionals will also discuss the challenges in building training programs that honor both perspectives.
Saturday Keynote: Inspiring Hard to Reach Students: Making Personal Responsibility Contagious
Jason Dorsey
Jason Dorsey delivers the insight of a bestselling author, excitement of an internationally acclaimed speaker, and practicality of an award-winning entrepreneur. Jason Ryan Dorsey profoundly inspires teachers, paraeducators, administrators, parents, staff, counselors, and school board members. He does this by sharing his incredible personal story of educators saving his life.
